By Donata Mpochela
MZUZU (Maravi Post)- Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) has appealed to authorities to establish Arts Council with aim of triggering artists to strongly establish record labels which among others will help in music and film distribution.
Mum former President Rev. Dr. Chimwemwe Mhango said they need stakeholders to jump in so strongly in establishing record labels that will connect with the international films and begin to expose them.
“Due to lack of music and film distribution system in Malawi, it has made music not to appear in international awards. It is very unfortunate that Malawi still does not have music and film distribution system. This in other cases is contributing to an increase of piracy.
“We have been fighting together with Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) on the new Act of piracy.
“The new Act on piracy was passed in parliament introducing stiff punishments for the culprits. The government needs to do more by funding the awareness campaign of activities”, Mhango said.
He said Mum has been discussing with the government on several occasions but due to their routine, it is not giving them any help.
Mhango disclosed that the ministry is just waiting. Hence forth, we are losing our patience.
“This is unfortunate because it has made us lag behind”, Mhango added.
Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) Senior Licensing Officer, Rosario Kamanga said the project seeks to address the challenges faced by the creative sector taking a holistic approach.
“The approach needs to improve the production and distribution of quality copies.
In terms of distribution it has gone into discussions to be secured with established outlets like spar to distribute products”, Rosario said.
He further said this is a governments sponsorship which we are implementing together with COSOMA.
If there wasnt piracy it should have been a thing of the past.
Rosario disclosed there system needs to be fully developed to respond to the challenges that were set up for.
In an effort to speak to the Ministry of Civic Education and Culture Spokesperson, Mayeso Msokera he however not responded to any of the questions.